I hope you all managed to stay cool this weekend! Some backgammon in the AC sounds like a good way to beat the heat!
Last week, if you were wondering why pigs were flying, your humble director managed to claim his fourth win of the year, going 4-0 and beating Donald in the final match. The club rankings have been updated, and the jockeying for 1st place continues. It was another great showing with 11 players. I hope to see you all again this week!
I was confronted with a position that called to mind the Battin rule, dubbed after Richard Battin’s keen insights during our study session. White has a 3-1 to play, and is up 2-0 in a 5 point match. What should white do? 13/10* 10/9 to hit the checker in the outfield, and make an outfield point? 24/21 9/8 to establish an anchor and clean up a blot? Or, 8/5 6/5 to make the 5 point (AKA the Battin rule)? Think about it, and scroll for the answer.
This is a case where the Battin rule fails! It is far more valuable to hit and make the outfield point than to make the 5 point. Discuss why in the comments! We can also discuss at the study session at 5 PM on Wednesday. If you’re not coming for that, remember to log in by 6 PM sharp for the tournament.
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All the best,
Wes Farrell